Karen Bass

We have certainly seen a rise of hate in this country like we haven't seen in many years.

As an important U.S. strategic partner, there is a great hope that Kenya's election will be peaceful, transparent, and nonviolent.

I would hate to see them postponed, but on the other hand I'm very concerned as to whether or not Mali is going to be ready for elections.

Democracy is on the move.

Thank you, Chairman Royce, and Ranking Member Engel. I want to thank both of you for your leadership in moving swiftly to hold a hearing on the troubling situation in Mali.

This future is possible in Mali with U.S. support and the support of the international community.

I do support a pathway to citizenship. I don't want to be shy about that.

The way in which it is governed globally is important to all of us.

Our current system relies on a decentralized, multistakeholder approach that has allowed innovation and expansion on a global scale.

Proposed changes to the system could very well jeopardize this progress and hinder what has been a truly remarkable collaboration of diverse sectors.

The Internet for many of the world's people is an essential part of daily life.

I want to offer my sincere and deep gratitude for your remarkable service to our Nation.

Thank you, Chairman Royce and Ranking Member Engel, for convening this hearing.

You have shown extraordinary leadership on countless issues, ensuring that diplomacy is an essential part of our country's foreign policy.

For the past 4 years and well before, you have put country first, and for that, our Nation is indebted to you.

You have strengthened our State Department, made it better today than when you arrived.

I wanted to thank the leadership for convening this meeting and I want to thank the witnesses for taking their time to come out and be here with us here today.

I certainly don't believe that now is the time to turn our backs on peacekeeping, particularly as tensions grow in places like Mali.

It is my hope that today's hearing will not merely bring to the surface how we further strengthen these peacekeeping commitments and coordination but that we can acknowledge the tremendous benefit that peacekeepers play in preventing and…

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and once again of course, thank you for holding this hearing and for your leadership on this issue.

the idea that you would have the forced harvesting of human organs, regardless, is just really deeply troubling.

I urge my colleagues to allow the State Department's ARB to finish its work so that we have a clear picture of the events of that tragic night.

We have an obligation to the American people and to all who serve and represent our Nation to ensure that a tragedy such as this does not happen again on anyone's watch.

I want to thank the gentleman from Washington State (Mr. McDermott) for his leadership, and I also want to acknowledge Congressman Rangel for his historic commitment to AGOA. But, in addition, I want to thank, as I stand here next to two…

I think that it is particularly egregious that you are having to face this situation, something that we would never tolerate here.